In the afternoon, Ashley and Mary seemed to be inspired, working with incredible dedication. The filming process was progressing so fast that within half a day, they had shot six pages of the script — an almost impossible feat for anyone familiar with the film industry.
They worked an extra hour overtime, and the entire crew decided to finish all the scenes scheduled at Universal Studios.
When everything was wrapped up, not only the actors but also the MGM staff were amazed. Such a rapid pace of filming rarely happens, especially with such high-quality results.
Eric clapped his hands, "Thank you all for today's work. We're done. See you on Monday!"
With his words, the workday came to an end, and everyone began to disperse.
Andrea, full of joy, hugged the Olsen sisters: "Ashley, Mary, you were amazing! Exceeded all expectations!"
The sisters smiled sweetly, "Thank you!"
James McAvoy, still stunned by what he'd witnessed, approached Ashley, with whom he had shared scenes, and shyly asked, "Ashley, how did you manage that? Your performance was just astounding. Do you have some secret? Would you mind sharing it?"
Ashley stole a glance at Eric, "I don't know myself. Suddenly, everything just made sense. Maybe it's what Eric talked about — believing in your role."
McAvoy frowned, "That's understandable; they taught us that in school. But what's the process?"
Ashley shook her head, "Sorry, James, I can't really explain. It's just a feeling that's hard to put into words."
The more mysterious her words sounded, the more McAvoy believed them because such moments of revelation do often happen in acting.
He sighed, "I guess I need more experience. Maybe going back to England and doing more theater is a good idea."
"Good luck, James. I'm sure you'll make a great actor."
After wishing him well, Ashley walked over to Eric. She and Mary once again, as they had done half a day ago, flanked him from both sides.
"Eric, come over to our place on Saturday. Last time, when we returned from Santa Barbara, Jarnette invited you, but you turned it down."
"Yes, and you have no idea how little Elizabeth called our mom, asking her to make you a nice dinner. You really disappointed her."
Inwardly, they cursed Gal Gadot. Previously, the sisters had no particular feelings about her, except perhaps some envy over her luck. But now, after Elizabeth mentioned that Gadot was Eric's acknowledged girlfriend, things changed. What did that make them, then?
While there would definitely be rivalry between the sisters, it was an internal matter. Gal Gadot, however, was an external threat that needed to be dealt with. Eric was the ideal candidate for a boyfriend or husband: young, handsome, talented, from a good family, with significant wealth, and well-connected in the industry — it would be foolish not to take advantage of that.
Oblivious to the sisters' thoughts, Eric pondered their invitation, but he needed to go to New York for the weekend. Ignoring Eline for over a month was risky. If he didn't show up, she could get seriously upset. Besides, he had to visit Serge Hassenfeld — a key figure whose support was advantageous for future ventures.
He thought through his response, "I'm afraid Saturday won't work. I already have plans."
The sisters immediately grew wary, and Mary asked directly, "With whom? Gal Gadot?"
Eric thought, "I'm meeting your dear aunt, but I can't say that."
"No, not with her. Why would you assume it's Gadot? I need to go to New York for a business meeting with Hasbro."
The sisters sighed with relief. As long as it wasn't Gal Gadot.
"Too bad. But you've let us down twice now. Aren't you ashamed?"
Eric shrugged, "Not really, since you invited me, and I didn't impose myself. Why should I feel guilty?"
"Whack!"
"Ow, don't hit me! Fine, fine. I promise I'll come next time. Deal?"
Relieved by his promise, the sisters left happily.
In her pink Lamborghini, Mary hesitantly said, "Ashley, do you think he's lying to us? Eric's a clever guy."
"I don't know. We can't keep interrogating him — it'll turn him off. Got any ideas?"
"Maybe we should ask Aunt Eline to keep an eye on him? She lives in New York, and they're friends. If Eric really goes there for business, we'll know."
After a pause, Ashley sighed, "But should we? Even if we find out he's lying, what then?"
This question stumped Mary. Yes, even if it turned out to be a lie, what next?
From the start, their relationship wasn't on equal footing. The Olsen sisters were in the weaker position, while Eric held the upper hand.
They didn't have many options. They could either step out of the game early and maintain just a professional relationship, which was challenging for such young girls given their complex relationship with Eric. Or they could fight for their place in the sun, ousting competitors.
That path was even harder. They would need to learn patience, suppress their impulses, and master self-control.
Eric was no sentimental boy. Given his personality and the temptations of show business, remaining faithful would be nearly impossible.
Mary also sighed, "Don't ask me; I don't know what to do either. But if we don't find out if he's deceiving us, I'll feel even worse, I won't be able to settle down. Fine, I'll call Aunt Eline anyway."
"Okay, give her a call."
...
"Eric, heading out again? I heard noise last night. Another pretty girl?" Joshua asked with a sly smile.
"Glug!"
"Ah…"
Setting his glass down, Eric took a sip of water. The wine Han Sanping had sent for his health didn't have the most pleasant taste, but his father, after drinking it that night, felt great, and now the bottle, which had been full, was half-empty. The wine seemed effective.
Tonight, Nicole definitely wouldn't leave him alone. He'd already spent too much energy on Ashley and Mary, and his energy hadn't yet recovered. Perfect timing to try the wine.
"Eric, I'm talking to you. Were there pretty girls? Introduce me to one," Joshua teased, poking his brother in the shoulder.
"Which girls? I'm just going to work."
"Liar! At this time of night? You think I'm an idiot?"
Eric held up the script of La Vie en Rose: "Why would I lie? I'm busy with filming during the day, so there's no time to work on the script. I have to do it at night—I've arranged to meet with the screenwriter."
Joshua looked skeptical. "Seriously?"
"Believe it or not, but you should also stop lounging around all day. It's better to get back to the team and learn management."
With these words, Eric left the house and drove off in his Lamborghini.
Experience is a great teacher. This time climbing over the fence was much easier—he neither tore his clothes nor fell. Eric confidently headed toward the door.
He pressed the doorbell, calling, "Nicole, open up; your husband's here!"
"Click!"
The door opened, and Nicole Kidman appeared, wearing a sheer robe with a heart-shaped necklace around her neck.
"My husband? Where? Where? I don't see him," she teased, pretending to search around.
Eric gave her a thumbs-up, pointing at his chin, but quickly realized he'd mimicked Vegeta's gesture and lowered his hand, aware of the odd sign.
"Look right here—it's me."
"You? You're Eric Cooper. How could you be my husband?" Nicole smirked, looking at him.
Eric took off his coat, scooped her up in his arms, and said, "You're about to find out who I am."
He carried her to the couch, kissed her on the nose, and said, "Honey, I think you've gained a little weight."
"What?! Impossible!"
Nicole slipped from his embrace and, with wide eyes, ran to another room, returning a moment later with a scale.
"Oh my God! I've gained three pounds! This is terrible!"
Seeing her reaction, Eric quickly hugged and kissed her to calm her down.
After a long kiss, he gently brushed her forehead. "Relax, sweetheart. You've just gained a little weight, and it actually suits you. You used to be too thin. I'd like to see you gain another ten pounds."
Nicole took his hand, placing it on her chest. "All you do is reassure me. Women can't gain weight—it ruins everything. Just look at Kate Winslet; now she only plays housewives."
"Haha, what's wrong with playing a housewife? It takes real talent. I have a friend who adores Winslet; he doesn't care if she's heavy or light—that's true love."
Nicole wrapped her arms around his neck and looked him in the eyes. "And you? Do you care if I gain weight?"
"Of course not. I just said I'd like to see you gain another ten pounds," Eric replied without hesitation.
"Why? Give me a reason."
"I think it's for health."
Nicole shook her head. "That reason could be more convincing."
"Well, a little extra weight is nice; overly thin women can be uncomfortable."
"You're terrible! You're just…"
Before she could finish, their lips met in a passionate French kiss.
A few days apart had left Eric energized for an intense two-hour workout.
After the "battle," Nicole settled lazily, like a cat, resting in Eric's arms.
"Darling, it's no wonder you won an Oscar for Best Actress. I think I've discovered one reason."
"What's that?"
"At first, you were so wild, like you wanted to devour me, and now you're so calm, like a bunny. Isn't that a show of your acting talent?"
"Eric, I find you more and more unbearable," Nicole wrinkled her nose.
"Haha, really? You hate me?"
"Of course, I hate you, but… I want other women to hate you even more. Then you'll stay only with me."
With that, she leaned in, and their kiss grew softer.
After a while, Nicole picked up the script and began reading.
"Move over; let me concentrate."
"Need a helper?"
"That would be perfect!"
The script they held was just a rough draft, requiring polish. Eric helped Nicole go through it, which helped them both understand the material better.
They read the script late into the night, and finally, Nicole set it aside, focusing instead on listening to Eric's stories.
"Bam!"
Midnight. The clock struck twelve, and Edith Piaf's story had come to an end.
"Wow… Although I specifically studied her biography after our last talk, I still can't help but admire her life."
"Eric, what genre do you want this film to be?"
"A biopic. Without a doubt, it should be a biographical film!" Eric answered confidently.
If La Vie en Rose were to be adapted as a commercial piece, the film would lose its significance, failing both as a commercial and an artistic work.
"I'm glad we agree. I think playing such a role will be very interesting and challenging."
"Nicole, I have full faith in your talent. You'll manage this role brilliantly. Maybe this will even bring you another Oscar!"
Nicole nodded. "I enjoy challenges, but there is one problem. Edith Piaf was quite short, less than five feet tall, and I'm…"
Eric waved his hand. "That's no problem. We can use film tricks. As for the singing, I plan to use Piaf's original recordings. You'll just need to lip-sync and study her mannerisms closely."
"Is that alright? Won't it seem unprofessional? I won an Oscar for Best Actress, and if my first role after that involves this kind of performance… people will talk," Nicole looked worried.
Eric grinned. "Don't mind the critics. In a few years, print media will disappear, and so will these critics. Our goal is to tell the story of a great French singer. Are we even going to film it in French?"
"Of course not! It's a Hollywood film, and it'll be in English. Isn't that an even greater inconsistency?"
Eric said this because the original actress, Marion Cotillard, also used Piaf's recordings, which didn't prevent her from winning an Oscar. It wasn't an issue that could be solved by one's own efforts.
"Alright, but I still want to try. I want people to see my hard work."
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